Let there be lights - jingle all the way to East Dunbartonshire

Date: 
Thursday, 9 November, 2017


Christmas lights switch-on events are taking place across East Dunbartonshire from this weekend.

Festive lights switch-on events have been organised by community councils, traders and local groups - supported by East Dunbartonshire Council.

  • Torrance Christmas lights will be switched on by the Gala Queen at 7pm on Friday 24 November, with sweets for children. At the Caldwell Hall there will be tea, coffee, hot dogs, children's table games, face painting, tombola and, of course, Santa. The event has been organised by Torrance Community Council.
  • The Kirkintilloch event on Saturday 25 November will include tours of the newly-rejuvenated Town Hall, which is currently being fitted out with a heritage display area. There will be escorted tours inside the historic building between 3pm and 6pm - taking place at 3pm, 3.30pm, 4pm, 4.30pm, 5pm and 5.30pm. No booking is required, but numbers will be limited for each tour, which will be first-come, first-served.

There will also be live music and entertainment at the Regent Centre from noon, with a funfair on Cowgate. Attractions include Rookie Rockstars and performers, Santa, face painting, Kirkintilloch Male Voice Choir, The Kirkintilloch Band, Paul Harper & the Angels from Heart Radio and more. The main lights switch-on is at 5pm - followed by a fireworks display.

  • The festive event in Bishopbriggs on Thursday 30 November is on from 4pm-6pm - including a free Santa's Grotto at Morrisons, funfair, free festive cheer at St Matthew's Church Hall, school choirs and appearances by the Gala Queen, Princesses and singer-songwriter Katee Kross - organised by Bishopbriggs Community Council. The lights will be switched on at 5pm by the Gala Queen and Depute Provost Gary Pews.
  • Westerton Christmas Lights switch-on takes place on Friday 1 December. There's a Christmas Fair from 6-8pm in Westerton Hall, with the lights being switched on by Gala Queen Sunny Fletcher at 7pm. Westerton Male Voice Choir and singers from Westerton Primary School will be performing. There will also be free mulled wine mince pies. The event has been organised by Bearsden West Community Council.
  • There are plans for stalls and a variety of festive-themed fun at Bearsden, organised by traders and churches. The Christmas tree switch-on takes place on Friday 1 December at 5pm-6pm - with school choirs, food and carol singing in the town centre. There will also be a 12 Days of Christmas Competition at local businesses and a trail of stars and stories. The Christmas festival also includes family films, concerts and more. 
  • Lennoxtown Primary School's PTA Christmas Fayre and lights switch-on takes place on Friday 1 December from 5pm-7pm. The school choir will be performing at 4.45pm and the lights will be switched on at 5pm. There will be a variety of stalls - including gifts for Christmas - face painting, Santa's Grotto, glitter tattoos, sand art and more.
  • Milton of Campsie's Christmas lights will be switched on at 6pm on Friday 1 December, with Santa arriving at approximately 6.20pm. There will be Christmas tunes and festive spirit galore, organised by the community council.
  • The Milngavie celebration takes place from 2pm-5pm on Saturday 2 December and includes a Christmas Tree Trail, Elf Hunt, pipe band, children's characters, magician, storytelling, face painting and the switch-on itself at 5pm - by rugby star Stuart Hogg, Vice-Captain of Scotland. It has been organised by traders who are part of the Milngavie Business Improvement District.
  • There will be a Christmas celebration on Saturday 2 December at Lenzie Old Parish Church. The event begins at 5pm with the arrival of Gala Queen Katie Borland, who will switch on the lights at 5.30pm. The MC is radio presenter Paul Harper, who will be supported by the Lenzie Christian Fellowship Choir, The Kirkintilloch Band, and, of course, Father Christmas, who will be taking time out from Lapland to appear. Mince pies, shortbread and tea & coffee will available in the church hall during the event and admission is free. The event has been organised by Lenzie Community Council.

In addition, Mugdock Country Park will be hosting a Christmas Fayre on Saturday 25 November from 2-6pm, with the Courtyard lights and tree being switched on at 6pm. There will be festive gifts, Santa, Ranger activities, chair-o-planes, music, refreshments and more.

Councillor Jim Gibbons, Convener of the Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee, said, "I am pleased we are able to support the Christmas switch-on events again in our communities, working together with our colleagues in EDLC and a variety of local groups.

"Festive events are a great way for people to get together to start the seasonal celebrations - supporting local retailers into the bargain."

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